However, the majority of those travellers have a valid medical reason for not stepping into the scanning machine, according to Brisbane Airport Corporation.

In the two years since eight full-body scanners were introduced at the airport, 9900 travellers have refused to be screened in the machines.

Eight of those travellers initially failed to provide security staff with a valid reason not to step into the scanning machine, but later agreed to be screened.

In the past two years, only one person who refused to be scanned was barred from boarding their flight.

Brisbane Airport Corporation could not reveal the identity of the passenger, or detail why the person had refused the scan.

But mining magnate-turned-federal MP Clive Palmer said he chose not to board his flight after refusing a body scan in July last year.

Mr Palmer announced he would ban the full-body scanners if  elected prime minister, following the run-in with security at Brisbane International Airport.

The Palmer United Party leader made the pledge after he was "unnecessarily targeted" by security personnel.

He said he and his staff had already cleared security and were waiting to depart on his private jet, but had to change to a commercial flight because of a scheduling change.

Mr Palmer reportedly became aggressive after being asked to have a second security screening.

"My staff went first and passed through without incident; however, when they saw me they decided to give me the full treatment and subject me to a full-body scan," Mr Palmer said at the time.

"I found the staff aggressive and rude. I eventually refused to be scanned and left the airport."

Mr Palmer said he was opposed to security screenings on political and personal grounds.

"I am very much opposed to this process as the technology is highly invasive, is unproven and has even been linked to risks with cancer," he said.

"It has been well documented that my first wife died of cancer and I have also visited Chernobyl and seen the devastating effects of radiation."

Since the machines' introduction in 2012, 590,000 travellers (about 1000 a day) have been screened with the body scanners.

The scanners use radio frequency energy similar to mobile phones and wireless network devices, not radiation, according to information on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport website.

"X-rays are not used. One scan emits 10,000 times less radio frequency energy than an average mobile phone call," the website says.

Passengers are selected at random for screening via the body scanners.

The scanners have been designed to detect items worn or carried on the body, but will not detect implants, including breast implants, or internal prostheses, such as hips or knee joints.

Passengers with implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, are also able to undergo a body scan.